Filing a lien for unpaid dues

I am on the board of an HOA in Arlington, TX. We have 2 lots which are significantly deliqnuent in their dues and we want to file a lien. Our By Laws allow it but we are wondering if there is a recommended form and does notice of the filing have to be sent first?

You may want to send a notification that a lien will be filed due to non-payment of dues by certified letter. That way you know they got the notification. Plus the actual lien may be sent this way as well. Keep in mind that the ACTUAL address the owner lives can be different than the HOME address in the HOA. If they are using their property as rental this most likely is the case. This doesn't mean you have to send or file the lien under their other address other than the HOA address. It may not hurt to attempt a notice letter sent to that address but all other legal dealing should ONLY be with the HOA address.
Some states filing liens are free or at little cost. They also don't require a lawyer to file. The notification of a lien may run in the local newspaper as a "Public Notice" to the owner IF they can't be located. If you do choose to hire a lawyer, then those fees can be part of that lien. The other charges can include late fees and approved interest. (Usually around 6% or less).

Keep in mind a lien doesn't mean the owner can't continue to rent out their property. They just can't sell it without paying the money owed. However, IF the property is being foreclosed on by the bank, then that will complicate matters some. Just make sure there is a lien on the property regardless.

Filing a lawsuit is less successful than a lien. It's a costier process and the owner can pretty much skip town without ever paying a dime. ALWAYS pursue the lien process.

Thanks so much to everyone. I think we are going to have an attorney handle the first one and then we will know the appropriate protocol going forward.